The Centre for Renewable Energy at Dundalk IT was officially launched last night by Mr Ahern, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
"Our mission statement is to facilitate Ireland's transition to renewable energy through education and research," said Mr Lawrence Staudt, the centre's manager. The staff and students conduct renewable energy research and work to develop wind, solar, wave and bio power.
The centre is dedicated to finding ways for Ireland to meet its energy needs more cleanly and with less reliance on fossil fuels. As a first step, it will install the first urban turbine in Ireland next year. This will generate all Dundalk IT's electricity needs and save 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Dundalk IT now offers a master's degree in renewable energy systems technology. Next year, the centre will offer less technical programmes for students.